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African campaigners launch award for climate change reporting

Xinhua, March 8, 2016 Adjust font size:

The third edition of African Climate Change and Environmental Reporting (ACCER) awards supported by campaigners and bilateral agencies were launched on Tuesday.

Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), a continental civil society based in Kenya, and a host of bilateral donors, have supported the award that seeks to reward African media professionals who have elevated the profile of climate change through their reporting.

Speaking during the launch of ACCER awards in Nairobi, PACJA Secretary General, Mithika Mwenda, underscored the critical role of the media in raising awareness on the impacts of climate change.

"African media should be in the frontline to raise awareness on climate change whose impact in the continent is profound. The media can help influence policy and legislation to control rising temperatures that are to blame for regular droughts and floods," Mithika said.

The awards have invited applications from print, electronic and citizen journalists from Africa.

Applicants will submit a compelling story on climate change impacts to local communities and their livelihoods.

The overall winners will be feted at a ceremony to be held in South Africa during the World Environment Day on June 5.

Mithika said campaigners intend to incentivize African media professionals to enable them report on climate change factually and consistently.

"Climate change will dominate the 21st century discourse and it is high time our media gave it the prominence it deserves. We require the media to simplify and communicate the science of climate change to the wider audience," said Mithika.

He noted that awareness campaigns targeting key stakeholders like businesses and local communities have strengthened response to climate change in many African countries.

African countries require a vibrant media to help spread public education on science and policies related to climate change.

Mohamed Atani, Information Officer with UNEP Regional Office for Africa (ROA), said the media could help bridge the gap between science, policy and action on the ground.

"The media has a critical role to play in highlighting the link between climate change and sustainable development. It should raise visibility of cross cutting issues like food and energy security, habitat loss and conflicts that are linked to climate change," Atani remarked. Enditem